No One Pronoun Agreement: A Guide for Clear and Inclusive Writing

In the English language, choosing the right pronoun can be a source of confusion and debate. One of the trickiest cases is the use of the pronoun “no one.” Is it singular or plural? Do we use “he,” “she,” “they,” or something else entirely? In this article, we`ll explore the concept of “no one pronoun agreement” and provide some guidelines for using it in your writing.

First, let`s clarify what we mean by “no one.” This term refers to a single person, but it is sometimes used to refer to a group of people as well. For example, “No one likes to wait in line” could mean that no individual person likes to wait, or it could mean that everyone in a particular group dislikes waiting. This ambiguity can make it difficult to choose the right pronoun.

Traditionally, many writers have defaulted to using “he” as the pronoun for “no one.” For example, “No one wants to be late for his appointment.” However, this usage has come under scrutiny in recent years for being gender-exclusive and inaccurate. Using “he” as a default assumes that all people are male, which is simply not true. Additionally, some people may not identify as male or female, so using gendered pronouns can be alienating for them.

To address these concerns, many writers are now using “they” as the pronoun for “no one.” This usage is called the “singular they” because it refers to a single person, even though “they” is traditionally a plural pronoun. For example, “No one wants to be late for their appointment.” This usage is more inclusive and avoids making assumptions about gender.

However, some people still object to using “they” as a singular pronoun, arguing that it is ungrammatical or confusing. To address these concerns, some writers use the pronoun “one” instead of “they.” For example, “No one wants to be late for one`s appointment.” This usage is more formal and less common, but it is a valid alternative.

Another option is to rephrase the sentence to avoid the pronoun altogether. For example, “Being late for an appointment is undesirable.” This avoids the pronoun issue altogether and can make the sentence clearer and more concise.

In summary, choosing the right pronoun for “no one” can be a challenge, but it is an important aspect of clear and inclusive writing. If you`re unsure which pronoun to use, consider using “they” as a singular pronoun or rephrasing the sentence to avoid the pronoun altogether. By being thoughtful and intentional about your language choices, you can create writing that is more welcoming and accessible to all readers.